Firsts

Just when we think there cannot be anything new, we get slapped right upside the head with a first. This past Saturday if you happened to be watching the 148th Kentucky Derby, you saw a whole bunch of firsts.

1. The horse named Rich Strike, never in the Kentucky Derby before, got his chance when one of the 20 horses in the race was taken out, scratched, five minutes before deadline the day before the race. His owner bought him for $30,000 last Fall.

Rich Strike left the starting gate with second highest odds in Derby history at 80-1 odds. When he nosed the finish line he brought his owner $1.8 million and change.

2. His owner had never had a horse in the Kentucky Derby before.

3. His trainer had never had a horse in the Kentucky Derby before.

4. His jockey had never ridden a horse in the Kentucky Derby before.

Those who bet long shots were rewarded handsomely Saturday. A $2.00 bet to win received $163.60. The $1 Superfecta where you have to name the winners of 1st through 4th horses in that order was $321,500.10.

And thinking about firsts, how many firsts have you had in your life? We have all had quite a few, hopefully good. While reading this, think of the battles you have had to fight to get to this day. Think of this most unlikely horse with an unknown jockey with the reins, running past multi-million dollar horses with very experienced jockeys on their backs and virtually saying, “Eat my dust!”

Warren Buffett gave this advice, “The best investment by far is developing yourself.” Bet on yourself! Be a First.